Waking up and getting out the door is often the hardest part of adventure. Decemberg 2023 was no different when a quick moving storm dumped heavy rain overnight, washing over Chicago as participants and guides were riding to the start location, Dark Matter Coffee’s Star Lounge. The storm seemed to whisper in rider’s ears, “go back to bed” but one by one guides and riders alike dripped into the coffee shop looking for a shot of energy from the barista, Hanna.
The rain turned into a sprinkle then stopped as the group huddled for introductions and to hear an overview of the day!
Body temperatures rose as we left Star Lounge and rode west in anticipation of our first breakpoint, Dunkin’ Donuts at the eastern head of the historic Prairie Path. It was about this time that the storm completely passed, and sun beamed out of a cobalt blue sky which turned our crew into sunbathing iguanas, spread around the parking lot.
Guide Thomas delivered a poignant spiel about the long relationship Chicago has with preservation of natural habitat and the tradition Chicagoans have of defending it.
Heading West on the Prairie Path the sky was blue, but the wind attacked head on. The crew was relieved to reach the Salt Creek Trail where the head wind relinquished into a mostly side wind.
Not long after riding north everyone had the same question on their minds. What am I going to order at Portillos for lunch? What else would we be thinking about? The amazing views of lakes, meadows and prairies along the way gave short pauses between deciding between hot beef sandwich or Chicago Dogs. Strawberry shake or Chocolate Cake? It turns out you can order them all!
To be honest I hardly remember the windy way from Portillos to Deer Grove Forest Preserve. It’s a short 10 miles of suburban streets to the entrance of the park. This is where the senses came back to life as we were immersed in the natural beauty and enormous significance of this 2,000-acre forest preserved for wildlife and visitors alike. These upland forest, wooded ravines, wetlands, and prairie are recognized by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission as some of the highest quality natural areas in the state and we could feel why.
Once at camp, folks squared off on their chosen cabin and bunk just as the brewskis arrived, thanks to Ashley who drove up with treats and dinner. The rest of the night was, as is in many camp trips, a high light for merry makers who relish the opportunity to stand around the fire, tell and hear tales of glory, learn about our fellow travelers and deal in fire making/ maintaining skills passed down in family from generations to us.
Even in Winter when the sun comes late, morning comes too early, especially for the party campers who never want the party to end. Fortunately for us a new fire, coffee and hot steel cut oatmeal with berry compote rewarded the effort of getting ready to ride again.
The start of our shorter ride back to the city was much colder than the ride up to Camp Reinberg. Some folks needed a little extra insulation and deployed plastic bags inside shoes or gloves on feet and/or hands. The precaution was not a mistake because temperatures varied between 32 and 28 degrees for the 35-mile trek to our end point, Graceland Cemetery.
Many cyclists in Chicago revere the Des Plaines River Trail, and I think it’s because of its many faces. From season to season it’s unrecognizable from the last. This time of year, the skeletons of trees are laid bare revealing long sight lines which are concealed during other seasons.
Fittingly, the ride ended in Graceland Cemetery at the final resting place of Daniel Burnham who played an oversized role in shaping the city that we love. Burnham helped oversee the design and construction of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893 then published Plan of Chicago. The Plan of Chicago was an outgrowth of the City Beautiful movement which spawned the wonderful natural park resources that we enjoyed on this ride!
